Cruising for Christ

Jesus would be a biker, say members of the Christian Motorcycle Association.

The Hanover branch of Christian Motorcycle Association branched off from the York chapter this summer after it became too cumbersome for almost 100 bikers to ride and meet together monthly. The Hanover chapter, now more than 30 members strong, shares their love for riding and the Gospel, spreading God s word whenever they have the chance. (Evening Sun Photo by Eric Drummond)

Bill Emig grew up riding motorcycles and getting kicked out of school.

"I wanted to be the dumbest, toughest guy on Earth," he said.

When he was young, before he could even legally drive, Emig pulled up to church on his Harley Davidson. The bike leaked oil all over the cement.

"That pastor started lashing at me," he said. "I almost lashed right back. I didn't want to have anything to do with that type of religion."

But he always knew something was missing, and while sitting at a church meeting in 1960 he raised his hand when someone asked if there were any Christians in the room.

"It hit me like a ton of bricks," he said.

But he didn't feel that he belonged with many Christian ministries, since he was still riding his bike.

Bill Emig, chaplain of the Hanover branch of the Christian Motorcycle Association, delivers a message to the chapter at the Cross Keys Diner in New Oxford. The chapter holds monthly meetings for prayer, fellowship and a ride. (Evening Sun Photo by Eric Drummond)

"I was a fish out of water," he said. "Then God mixed riding and ministry together for me."

In 1985, he found his way to the Christian Motorcycle Association, an international organization of bikers who have given their hearts to Christ.

"When we ride, we know we're free of the sin debt," he said. "And God gave us a pleasure to enjoy along the way."

The York chapter of CMA, "Life Anew," had grown to almost 100 members, too large to be able to ride together and too large for their old building.

So this year, a Hanover chapter branched off with Emig, of Spring Grove, as their chaplain.

The chapter already has over 30 active members. They meet the first Saturday of each month at Cross Keys Diner for prayer, fellowship and, of course, a good ride.

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What makes this organization different from other motorcycle clubs is their devotion to their faith and their active ministry.

And they follow their vision statement, "One heart at a time," wherever they ride.

"You should see us when we stop for gas," said chapter President John Crawford, of East Berlin. "It's amazing how many people will come up to us because of the motorcycles, and we look for opportunities to turn the conversation spiritual.

Bill King, of Littlestown, and Bill Montgomery, of York Springs, read their Bibles along with the rest of the Hanover chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association during a recent monthly meeting held at the Cross Keys Diner in New Oxford.
(Evening Sun Photo by Eric Drummond)

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The backs of their CMA jackets have a patch, which depicts a hand on a Bible and reads "Riding for the Son."

"Our back patch alone will draw people," added Emig.

Their state-wide and national ministries include Operation God Bless America, benefiting the Lebanon VA Medical Center, assisting at York Bike Night, the York Toy Run and Seasons Refreshing Rally.

Locally, they are in charge of leading the 2010 Gettysburg Bike Week, give out water at bike rallies, the Hot Wheels Car Show and Chili Cook-off at Hanover First Church of God and volunteer at the Happy Rambler Motocross Course in Bonneauville.

In the future, they hope to start a "Bike Night" in Hanover to connect with other local riders.

"We never miss an opportunity to minister the gospel," said Larry Lash, of New Oxford, the chapter vice president.

Crawford became a Christian in 1995, and joined CMA in 2004.

"I love riding this bike," he said of his Honda. "I need to use it as a way to serve."

Aside from spreading the Gospel, the men and women joined the organization for friendship and fun.

Their monthly meetings include breakfast and fellowship, then a talk from the chaplain and riding.

"We go to where the people are," Crawford said. "We're not gonna sit around and wait for them to come to us."

He said that other bikers at rallies often comment that they didn't know a group could have so much fun without alcohol. When members of CMA wear their jackets, they can't drink or engage in "un-Christian-like" behavior.

"A lot of the events are fun," explained Bill King, chapter secretary, of Littlestown. "If they weren't fun people wouldn't go. And we are going because it's fun, and also to witness."

To join:

Christian Motorcycle Association: Call President John Crawford at 259-8119

On the Net: www.cmausa.org

Meetings: 9 a.m. the first Saturday of each month. Cross Keys Diner, 6110 York Road, New Oxford